NAMM 2019: PRS Guitars Announces New 2019 Models

PRS Guitars has announced its first round of new models and updates for 2019. New electric guitars from PRS include a revamped “Paul’s Guitar” (Paul Reed Smith’s signature model), the CE 24 Semi-Hollow, and a new SE Custom 24 that sports an attractive ziricote veneer, while new acoustic models expand on an already robust line up.

Paul’s Guitar – The Paul Reed Smith Signature Model

Historically, the Paul’s Guitar (like the Modern Eagle before it) has been a realization of Paul Reed Smith’s latest discoveries surrounding tone. This revamped model represents Paul’s vision not only as a guitar maker but as a guitar player who needs versatile stage- and studio-ready gear that can achieve all the right tones. As a man who has every option available to him, Paul’s personal design choices include mahogany bodies with maple tops, Honduran rosewood fretboards, Nitrocellulose finishes, “Brushstroke” bird inlays, and narrow pickup bobbins. The Paul’s Guitar model also includes PRS’s TCI (Tuned Capacitance and Inductance) treble and bass pickups with two mini-toggle switches that allow players to put either or both pickups in either humbucking or true single coil mode.

“I don’t just like the newest version of my guitar, I love it. With these new pickups, I can move from a strong bridge pickup to a very clear, “whoopy” neck pickup – you can hear every note – by just setting the mini-toggles and using the 3-way as normal. It’s a highly musical and very usable setup,” said Paul Reed Smith. “This guitar has clear, spanky single coils when you split the pickups but a very full soapbar quality when they are in humbucking mode. It’s just beautiful.”

CE 24 Semi-Hollow

The original CE was introduced in 1988, offering players traditional PRS design and features with a bolt-on neck. A favorite throughout PRS history, the CE 24 was reintroduced in 2016 and is now expanding to include a semi-hollow model.

“The CE 24 Semi-Hollow combines the snap and sustain of our maple neck bolt-on guitars but adds an airy resonance of a semi-hollow body creating a voice all its own. Every dealer who has come through the shop and checked out the prototypes has enjoyed the guitar. We think it is a fairly unique addition to our bolt-on lineup,” said Jim Cullen, PRS Director of Sales.

SE Custom 24 Ziricote

Last year, PRS decked out its classic SE Custom 24 model with a selection of unique veneers. For 2019, PRS will be offering their most popular SE in both zebrawood and ziricote veneers for players who want a more exotic look for this classic model.

PRS SE Acoustics

On the acoustic side, PRS Guitars has expanded its assortment of SE Angelus and Tonare Grand models with both new wood combinations and new colors. The SE A55E and T55Econtinue to bring PRS’s Private Stock aesthetic to the SE Series with quilted maple back and sides offered in two colors: classic Black Gold Burst or striking Abaco Green. The SE A60E and T60Ealso bring arresting aesthetics to the assortment, with ziricote back and sides, curly maple binding and heel cap, and abalone purfling and rosette details. Both the 55 and 60 series acoustics feature solid spruce tops PRS’s hybrid classical/X bracing, bone nuts and saddles, and the Fishman GT-1 pickup system. Rounding out the acoustic additions are burst options for the 40 and 50 series guitars.

“SE acoustics are born from our work inside the PRS Private Stock team making highly-individualized instruments. With years of intimate work experience to build on, we have applied our bracing pattern and other foundational design elements to the SE line, resulting in high-value instruments that we love,” said Jack Higginbotham, Chief Operating Officer, PRS Guitars. “We are proud of our manufacturing partners and humbled by the reviews and support from our dealers as we continue to grow this offering.”

“The instruments we have added for 2019 represent our culture of innovation and our desire to bring added value to musicians,” said Jamie Mann, President, PRS Guitars. “That said, we have left much our lineup untouched. The current demand from our customers is exceptionally high, showing us that the current stable is working. We are very proud of this moment.”

To see the complete line up, specs, and demo videos, visit www.prsguitars.com. And stay tuned – as NAMM approaches, there are likely to be a few more introductions.

About PRS Guitars:

Paul Reed Smith Guitars is a leading manufacturer of high-quality instruments in Stevensville, Maryland and has provided some of the world’s most renowned musicians with instruments since 1985. The PRS team of highly skilled craftspeople design and build a wide variety of musical instruments and gear for worldwide distribution, including electric, acoustic, and bass guitars as well as boutique-style guitar amplifiers. The PRS SE line of products complements the Maryland-made PRS line by offering highly approachable and more affordable electric, acoustic, and bass guitars. Carlos Santana, John Mayer, Mark Tremonti, Mark Holcomb of Periphery, Zach Myers of Shinedown, Jimmy Herring, Orianthi, David Grissom, Blake Shelton, Martin Simpson, and Tony McManus are among the artists currently playing PRS instruments and/or amplifiers.